TOPIC: UNCERTAINTY OF FUTURE

VERSE: JEREMIAH 29:11

“FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU,” DECLARES THE LORD,
“PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE
YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE.”
If ever you have a change to see a legit fortune teller, Would you want to
know the future? Why?
We often like to plan for the future. It gives us a sense of security
knowing what is coming next and working toward a certain goal. But we
do not know what is coming next. Our best plans could be in vain. Many
things could happen that are beyond our power to control that can
completely change our life.
Everyone has experienced some sort of fear of the future. We don’t fear the future, but what
we fear is something we don’t like happening. This could be change, pain, suffering, loss of
anything, failing, etc.
Why uncertainty exists?
A.        We don’t know everything.
B. We don’t know the future.
C. We can’t control the future.

What personality traits might you possess that would make it hard for you to stay
focused on God during uncertainty (i.e., impatience; the need to fix things; the need to
be in control)?

Recently I read a documented in a book by the renowned ethicist John

Kavanaugh. He tells of a time in his life when he went to Calcutta to work for
three months at “The House of the Dying.” This experience was part of his
heartfelt search for direction about his future. The first morning there, he
met Mother Teresa. She asked, “And what can I do for you?” Kavanaugh
asked her to pray for him.

“What do you want me to pray for?” she asked. He responded by explaining

that he had come thousands of miles from the U.S. to find direction: “Pray that
I have clarity.” (clarity is the quality or condition of being clear or easy to understand. )

She said firmly, “No, I will not do that.” When asked why, she said, “Clarity is
the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of.” Kavanaugh commented
that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for. She laughed and said,
“I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that
you trust God.”

Clarity vs. Trust

There is something in all of us that always wants clarity. It is part of our sinful
ego and a common expression of our insecurities. Clarity can become an idol
that replaces authentic trust in God. In many ways, we would rather understand
the details of the road ahead than rest in deep intimacy with the God who
has promised to direct our steps. He has never promised to show us a detailed
10-year plan. Clarity can actually become spiritually counterproductive as it
shortchanges trust, a life of faith and moment-by-moment dependence on God.

Scripture tells us, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart
before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). God is our refuge, but not
always a divine GPS system. Thus, we must trust Him at ALL times.

In Bible, we are reminded that trust is strongest when clarity is dim or non-
existent. Noah built an ark while waiting for 120 years for an extense rainfall.
Sarah was told to trust God for a child in her old age with no clarity as to how
such a thing could happen. Abraham went out, “not knowing where he was
going” and later planned to sacrifice his own son with no clarity as to why he
was called to do this or what the outcome might be. The stories are widespread.
Faith flourishes when we are trusting God at the deepest level with a willingness
to let go of our insistence for clarity.

How To Improve The Way You Think

About The Uncertainty and The Future
1. Start living in the now. Stop worrying about the future or even the past. Start living
in the moment you are in now. Focus on how you feel now and whats going on around
you. Take the time to stop and smell the roses.

2. Embrace change and run with it. Life is always changing. You are always changing.
Situations and people are always changing. Accept this fact. No matter how comfortable
you have become with you current life things will change. The best way to handle this is to
embrace the change and just flow with life.

3. Enjoy the unknown. Become excited when surprises enter into your life. Feel alive and
live for the excitement and thrill when the unplanned happen. You will find this really does
work. Even if you don’t believe it at first, give it a try and you will begin to on your own.
Do you feel like you are in a fog today? Have you been there far too long? Does
the present moment feel shaky while the future is unclear? Remember, He is
God and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek HIM (usually without
clarity about the details). You can trust Him now, even though His way seems
ambiguous.

Proverbs 16:3
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."